Chief Minister Siddaramaiah used his 13th budget to send out a strong political message that he is taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi — the main campaigner for the BJP, in the coming Assembly elections.
Without mentioning Mr. Modi or the Union government, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “Our constructive administration is an inspiration to the entire nation.” He has often in the past spoken of the “Karnataka model of development”. This comes at a time when the BJP State unit is roping in Mr. Modi to build up the tempo for its poll campaign.
“The entire country has recognised and followed the bold steps tread by us in the sectors of health, education, and housing,” said Mr. Siddaramaiah. “Steps taken by the State and its achievements in empowerment of women is a matter of discussion all over the country today.” He said it was his dream to make Karnataka one of the pioneering States in the world in terms of economic and human development yardsticks.
Portraying more than a tinge of regional pride, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “These achievements have made Kannadigas feel proud of their land. This has made the entire country look at Karnataka with respect. I understand that this is the true identity of Karnataka.”
He also used the budget to reply in his own way to BJP national president Amit Shah and Mr. Modi, who had sought accounts for the spending of Central funds.
Without touching on the issue, the Chief Minister listed the budgetary allocation and spending in the last five years of his governance for the key sectors. Sticking to his stand that it was not to the BJP central leaders but to the people of the State that he has to provide accounts, Mr. Siddaramaiah said: “I am accountable to every tax payer of the State for each paisa of tax paid. People of the State have the right to ask for the account, and it is my duty to respect that right. I have presented that account in this budget most transparently and honestly.”
